A very scenic climb just south of Dublin.

Cycling Sally Gap, Ireland

Ride 19.3 kilometers gaining 405 meters at 1.7% (2.9% climb only).

This is a very scenic and fun climb in the Wicklow Mountains, passing by Glenmacnass Waterfall.

Beginning at a small intersection adjacent to a little cafe and bar, the Sally Gap climb doesn’t start with much of a punch. For the opening kilometers -- yes kilometers now unlike England across the way -- the road passes a few houses and parallels a river.

Climb begins by riding north on Route 115 from its intersection with Route 755 in Laragh.

As the gradient kicks up, you’ll have a view of a massive canyon and waterfall to your left. The road takes you right up to the head of the waterfall. Judging by gradient, this portion of the climb is the toughest. Beyond the waterfall, the landscape becomes very barren, and on the day we rode in early June the winds were absolutely howling. There are a few minor descents and consistently mild grades that see you to the finish point at a four way intersection.

Glenmacnass Waterfall (meaning, “the glen of the hollow of the waterfall”).

Glenmacnass Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction and viewpoint in the Wicklow Mountains on the route to Sally Gap.

Climb summary from PJAMM Ambassador Stephen Rochford of Longwood, Co. Meath:

This is a beautiful climb up to the famous Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains. Starting in the village of Laragh right beside the historic monastic site of Glendalough, we slowly ascend on a narrow road for 19km at just under 2% average gradient for a total gain of 361m. Not a tough climb by any stretch of the imagination but its length can sap the legs a little.

The first 5km are almost flat with just a few short ramps at the start, as we roll up through the wooded valley alongside a small stream. Then comes the waterfall section, 4km at 5% gradient. The view of Glenmacnass Waterfall on your left and looking back down the valley is definitely worth stopping for a photo.

Glenmacnass Valley was glacially formed.

Shortly after passing the waterfall there is a brief descent and then the road continues to wind up toward the top of the gap for another 8km at 1.5%. The trees have now disappeared and there are wide views all across the Wicklow Mountains National Park from here.

At the top of the Sally Gap there is a crossroads. Continuing straight on will take you to the final part of the climb up to Kippure Mast, which is described in more detail here. Turning left will take you down toward the village of Manor-Kilbride, and turning right will bring you up the Lugalla climb and past the "Guinness Lake," Lough Tay, where the TV series Vikings is filmed.

Climb finish.

Traffic in the area is usually light but can get substantially heavier at weekends and during the summertime. The road surface is generally good but there are some rough patches. The top section of the climb is very exposed and the weather can change quickly here. A south wind will make you fly up the climb, but a north wind can make this very challenging.

That’s a wrap!